Expandable Tights with Stretch Panel

ABSTRACT

A garment having an elongated body portion configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a wearer. The elongated body portion includes a leg portion configured for receipt of a leg of the wearer, the leg portion having an inner thigh portion and an outer thigh portion. A waistband has at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate another wearer having a greater waist size. The outer thigh portion has a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch, and the inner thigh portion has a circumferentially-extending thigh gap band configured to effectively compress and slim the inner thigh portion of the wearer. Also, the elongated body portion includes a circumferentially-extending finger band configured to extend the length of the garment to accommodate a wearer of greater height.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to tights, and in particular, to tights having one or more side rib panels in the waistband of the tights.

Tights can be constricting in not providing adequate stretch for the wearer and be relatively limited in a particular size for a wearer's height and/or waist.

Accordingly, providing tights of improved comfort for the wearer and/or capable of accommodating a variety of height and/or waist size ranges may be desirable.

SUMMARY

Generally, example implementations of the present disclosure may include a garment having an elongated body portion configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a first wearer, the elongated body portion including a panty portion, at least one leg portion configured for receipt of a leg of the first wearer, and the at least one leg portion including an inner thigh portion and an outer thigh portion. The inner thigh portion includes a circumferentially-extending thigh gap band, or panel, configured to effectively compress and slim the inner thigh portion of the wearer, and the elongated body portion includes a circumferentially-extending finger band configured to extend the length of the garment to accommodate another wearer of greater height.

Example implementations of the present disclosure may include the elongated body portion including a waistband having at least one ribbed side panel, which may be knitted, configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate another wearer having a greater waist size for a more comfortable fit.

Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide the outer thigh portion including a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch, wherein the ribbed outer thigh panel may be scalloped to enhance a feminine appearance.

Example implementations of the present disclosure can include the elongated body portion being made of knitted material configured for extended longitudinal stretching to increase the length of the elongated body portion to accommodate a wearer of greater height than the wearer.

Other example implementations of the present disclosure may provide a garment, including an elongated body portion configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a wearer, the elongated body portion having a leg portion configured for receipt of a leg of the wearer, and the leg portion including an inner thigh portion and an outer thigh portion. The elongated body portion has a waistband with at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate a wearer having a greater waist size for a more comfortable fit. The outer thigh portion includes a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch and compress the thigh of the wearer.

Other example implementations of the present disclosure may include at least one of the elongated body portion, leg portion, thigh gap band, finger band, waistband, ribbed side panel, and ribbed outer thigh panel are surround stretch knitted.

Further example implementations of the present disclosure may include a garment having an elongated body portion configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a wearer, the elongated body portion including a leg portion configured for receipt of a leg of the wearer, and the leg portion including an inner thigh portion and an outer thigh portion. The elongated body portion has a waistband having at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate another wearer having a greater waist size for a more comfortable fit. The outer thigh portion has a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch, and the inner thigh portion has a circumferentially-extending thigh gap band configured to effectively compress and slim the inner thigh portion of the wearer. Also, the elongated body portion includes a circumferentially-extending finger band configured to extend the length of the garment to accommodate another wearer of greater height.

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, implementations of the present disclosure provide garments, and in particular tights, of improved comfort for the wearer and/or capable of accommodating a variety of heights, waist sizes and/or body types. In particular, use of a surround stretch knitting technique, which combines extended horizontal stretch with vertical stretch allows, for additional stretch to accommodate heights and circumferences of various wearers. Such knitting technique provides additional stretch in the waistband, panty, and thigh of the garment to provide “comfort stretch” in the panty and to accommodate multiple sizes, reducing current size grids.

Furthermore, the abovementioned implementations of the present disclosure, and the features and applications thereof, are not to be understood as being limited to tights. For example, such features and applications could be applied to and/or incorporated into slacks, shorts, various undergarments and foundation garments, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an example implementation of expandable tights with stretch panel of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of an example implementation of expandable tights with a stretch panel of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” When used in this document, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean “by way of example” and is not intended to indicate that a particular exemplary item is preferred or required.

In this document, when terms such “first” and “second” are used to modify a noun, such use is simply intended to distinguish one item from another, and is not intended to require a sequential order unless specifically stated. The term “approximately,” when used in connection with a numeric value, is intended to include values that are close to, but not exactly, the number. For example, in some implementations, the term “approximately” may include values that are within +/−10 percent of the value.

When used in this document, terms such as “top” and “bottom,” “above” and “below”, “upper” and “lower”, or “front” and “rear,” are not intended to have absolute orientations but are instead intended to describe relative positions of various components with respect to each other. For example, a first component may be an “upper” component and a second component may be a “lower” component when a device of which the components are a part is oriented in a first direction. The relative orientations of the components may be reversed, or the components may be on the same plane, if the orientation of the structure that contains the components is changed. The claims are intended to include all orientations of a device containing such components.

FIG. 1 presents a front view of an example implementation of garment, generally 100, and more specifically, expandable tights, generally 102, having an elongated body portion, generally 104, configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a wearer W. The elongated body portion 104 includes a panty portion, generally 104 a, left and right leg portions, generally 106 and 108, respectively, configured for receipt of the legs of the wearer W. Leg portions 106 and 108 each have an inner thigh portion, 106 a and 108 a, respectively, and an outer thigh portion 106 b and 108 b, respectively. The inner thigh portions 106 a, 108 a each include a circumferentially extending stretchable thigh gap band, or panel, 110 a and 110 b, respectively, configured to effectively stretch to compress and slim the inner thigh portion of the wearer. The elongated body portion 104 also includes a circumferentially-extending finger band 112 configured to extend the length of the tights 102 to accommodate another wearer of greater height, meaning a particular or specific size of tights 102 is not limited to one particular size of wearer and can accommodate a broadened range of wearer having a range of heights, waist sizes and/or body types, than may be typically expected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated body portion 104 includes a waistband 116 having at least one ribbed side panel 118, which may be knitted, configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband 116 to accommodate another wearer having a greater waist size for a more comfortable fit.

As also shown in FIG. 2, outer thigh outer thigh portions 106 b and 108 b each include a scalloped, knit outer thigh panel 120 (only one being shown in FIG. 2). Outer thigh panels 120 are ribbed and configured to stretch. The scalloped shape and configuration of outer thigh panels serve to enhance a feminine appearance for the wearer. Outer thigh panels 120 provide “comfort stretch” in the panty portion 104 a and allow for accommodation of multiple wearer sizes, reducing current size grids.

The elongated body portion 104 is in an example implementation made of knitted material configured to provide extended longitudinal stretching to thereby increase the length of the elongated body portion 104. This allows the body portion 104, and thus tights 102, to accommodate a range of heights or wearers. In turn, this should allow for a reduction in the number of sizes that would otherwise need to be manufactured and inventoried (and displayed in retail operations), in order to accommodate the population of wearers or potential wearers.

The knitted components of tights 102, including without limitation, the elongated body portion 104, panty portion 104 a, finger band 112, waistband 116, leg portions 106, 108, thigh gap bands 110 a, 110 b, ribbed side panels 118, and outer thigh panels 120 could be manufactured using the surround stretch solution knitting technique, which allows additional stretch in such knitted components. Outer thigh panels 120 to provide “comfort stretch” in the panty portion 104 a and to accommodate multiple wearer sizes, reducing current size grids. The rib panels 112 in the waistband 116 and panty portion 104 a are knit in to achieve extended stretch throughout, thereby allowing the garment 100 to fit extended sizes of wearers.

Knitting the ribbed panel 118, such as by using the surround stretch technique, allows the fabric to stretch to fit larger sizes. Also, the knit construction pulls the fabric in and allows a better and more comfortable fit for wearers of lower sizes on the size scale. Thus, the size range extends much further than normal ranges for tights. Combining the extended horizontal stretch with the vertical stretch using the surround stretch solution knitting technique allows for additional stretch to accommodate height and circumference.

In certain example implementations, the surround stretch knit components of tights 102 are not localized to just the ribbed side panels 118 on the waist 116. Such surround stretch knit components can include the thigh gap bands 110 a, 110 b to slim the inner thigh of the wearer W, and to the finger band 112, to give the appearance of an extension of the panty portion 104 a for wearer's who have a longer frame. Such surround stretch knit components can include the ribbed side panels 118 in the waistband 112, thereby allowing for added stretch on the wearer's stomach.

The above-disclosed features and functions, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different garments or applications and are not to be understood as limited to tights. For example, such features and functions could be applied to and/or incorporated into slacks, shorts, various undergarments and foundation garments. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed implementations. 

1. A garment, comprising: an elongated body portion configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a first wearer, the elongated body portion including a panty portion, at least one leg portion configured for receipt of a leg of the first wearer, and the at least one leg portion including an inner thigh portion and an outer thigh portion; the inner thigh portion having a circumferentially extending thigh gap band configured to effectively compress and slim the inner thigh portion of the first wearer; and the elongated body portion comprising a circumferentially extending finger band configured to extend the length of the garment to accommodate a wearer of greater height than the first wearer.
 2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising at least the elongated body portion including a waistband having at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate a wearer having a greater waist size than the first wearer for a more comfortable fit.
 3. The garment of claim 1, further comprising at least the elongated body portion including a waistband having at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate a wearer having a greater waist size than the first wearer for a more comfortable fit.
 4. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: at least the elongated body portion including a waistband having at least one, ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate a wearer having a greater waist size than the first wearer for a more comfortable fit; and wherein the ribbed side panel is knitted.
 5. The garment of claim 1, further comprising the outer thigh portion including a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch.
 6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: the outer thigh portion including a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch; and wherein the ribbed outer thigh panel is scalloped to enhance a feminine appearance.
 7. The garment of claim 1, further comprising at least a portion of the elongated body portion being comprised of knitted material configured for extended longitudinal stretching to increase the length of the elongated body portion to accommodate a wearer of greater height than the first wearer.
 8. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: at least the elongated body portion including a waistband having at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate a wearer having a greater waist size than the first wearer; the outer thigh portion including a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch; and wherein at least one of the elongated body portion, the at least one leg portion, the thigh gap band, the finger band, the waistband, the ribbed side panel, and the ribbed outer thigh panel are surround stretch knitted.
 9. A garment, comprising: an elongated body portion configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a first wearer, the elongated body portion including a leg portion configured for receipt of a leg of the first wearer, and the leg portion including an inner thigh portion and an outer thigh portion; the elongated body portion including a waistband having at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate a wearer having a greater waist size than the first wearer for a more comfortable fit; and the outer thigh portion including a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch.
 10. The garment of claim 9, wherein the ribbed side panel is knitted.
 11. The garment of claim 9, wherein the ribbed outer thigh panel is scalloped to enhance a feminine appearance.
 12. The garment of claim 9, further comprising the inner thigh portion having a circumferentially extending thigh gap band configured to effectively compress and slim the inner thigh portion of the first wearer.
 13. The garment of claim 9, further comprising the elongated body portion comprising a circumferentially extending finger band configured to extend the length of the garment to accommodate a wearer of greater height than the first wearer.
 14. The garment of claim 9, further comprising at least a portion of the elongated body portion being comprised of knitted material configured for extended longitudinal stretching to increase the length of the elongated body portion to accommodate a wearer of greater height than the first wearer.
 15. A garment, comprising: an elongated body portion configured to be worn about the legs and waist of a first wearer, the elongated body portion including a panty portion, at least one leg portion configured for receipt of a leg of the first wearer, and the at least one leg portion including an inner thigh portion and an outer thigh portion; the elongated body portion including a waistband having at least one ribbed side panel configured to stretch and effectively increase the length of the waistband to accommodate a wearer having a greater waist size than the first wearer for a more comfortable fit; the outer thigh portion including a ribbed outer thigh panel configured to stretch; the inner thigh portion having a circumferentially extending thigh gap band configured to effectively compress and slim the inner thigh portion of the first wearer; and the elongated body portion comprising a circumferentially extending finger band configured to extend the length of the garment to accommodate a wearer of greater height than the first wearer.
 16. The garment of claim 15, further comprising at least a portion of the elongated body portion being comprised of knitted material configured for extended longitudinal stretching to increase the length of the elongated body portion to accommodate a wearer of greater height than the first wearer.
 17. The garment of claim 15, wherein the ribbed side panel is knitted.
 18. The garment of claim 15, wherein the ribbed outer thigh panel is scalloped to enhance a feminine appearance.
 19. The garment of claim 15, wherein each of the panty portion, the ribbed side panel and the ribbed outer thigh panel are surround stretch knitted.
 20. The garment of claim 15, wherein each of the elongated body portion, the thigh gap band, the finger band, the waistband, the ribbed side panel, and the ribbed outer thigh panel are surround stretch knitted. 